BYU Looks Ahead After Nike Invitational

BERKELEY -- The Cal Nike Invitational ended with a strong showing by the BYU women’s tennis team. The Cougars came away from the tournament with enthusiasm for practice and play in the coming weeks.

“I don’t remember being this excited to get back to practice to work hard,” BYU coach Craig Manning said.

In doubles play, the performance of junior Jocelyn Jensen and freshman Romina Nedakovic earned them a place in the finals of their draw after beating Long Beach State’s Julie Luzar and Rachel Manasse 8-2. The Cougar duo then fought for the title against Saint Mary’s Marah Calvo and Molly Aloia but fell 8-4.

Sophomore Liza Ezhova lost her first- round singles match but bounced back to win her two consolation matches and clinch a spot in the semifinals. She withdrew from the match because it was on Sunday.

Juniors Kristina Doerr and Chie Hayaska also had solid singles performances and were featured in the quarterfinals of their respective draws. Hayasaka won both of her matches in straight sets before losing to Long Beach State’s Manasse. Doerr upset the No. 22 player in the country before losing to the tournaments’ fourth seed Arizona State’s Kelcy McKenna.

“We learned a lot,” Manning said. “Everyone is leaving feeling like good things are ahead.”

For complete results of the tournament, Click here.

The Cougars will continue their fall season at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s regional competition on Oct. 15.